“Hiking with kids can renew our sense of wonder. When children discover shells or tadpoles, flowers or insects, an ordinary walk on the beach or in the woods can quickly become an adventure. But hiking with kids can also bring challenges when children become tired, cold, or hungry. Best Hikes with Kids is a carefully selected collection of hikes–field-tested by parents and kids–to make your outings fun for everyone. Ranging in distance from 2km/1.2 miles (great for toddlers) to 12km/7.5 miles (for older or more energetic kids who want to test themselves), these hikes are easy to get to and easy to follow so you have more time to explore. From Victoria in the west to E.C. Manning Provincial Park in the east and Duffey Lake north of Vancouver to Deception Pass in northwestern Washington, the trails range across beaches, through forests, up mountains, and even into lakes (for a refreshing dip). There are well-trafficked crowd-pleasers like Skookumchuck Narrows and Train Wreck Falls as well as quieter local favourites, such as the Echo Valley Trail and Hoover Lake. And there are stops at suspension bridges, hollow trees, ghost towns, and caves along the way. An introduction provides tips about preparing to hike with kids, from bringing the right snacks and clothing to choosing the right route and motivating reluctant hikers. Each route features a clear reference map, step-by-step directions, and full-colour photos as well as: -a description of trail highlights -detailed directions to the trailhead -a snapshot of the best season, difficulty, length, high point, and elevation gain -a fun fact related to the plants, animals, or history of the trail A short illustrated field guide at the end of the book helps you learn about 30 common plants, animals, and fungi you’ll encounter in the region. Whether you’re looking for the best hikes to go for a swim; picnic with a summit view; see fish, insects, or animals; get outside on a rainy day; or find wildflowers or wild berries, Best Hikes with Kids has you covered.”–
